In the Carquinez Woods by Bret Harte
page 55 of 144 (38%)
page 55 of 144 (38%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
responsible."
"If he's such a good man, why do you hesitate?" she replied bitterly. "Why don't you give me up at once, and do a service to one of your friends?" "I do not even know him," returned Low opening his clear eyes upon her. "I've promised to hide you here, and I shall hide you as well from him as from anybody." Teresa did not reply, but suddenly dropping down upon the ground buried her face in her hands and began to sob convulsively. Low turned impassively away, and putting aside the bark curtain climbed into the hollow tree. In a few moments he reappeared, laden with provisions and a few simple cooking utensils, and touched her lightly on the shoulder. She looked up timidly; the paroxysm had passed, but her lashes yet glittered. "Come," he said, "come and get some breakfast. I find you have eaten nothing since you have been here--twenty-four hours." "I didn't know it," she said, with a faint smile. Then seeing his burden, and possessed by a new and strange desire for some menial employment, she said hurriedly, "Let me carry something--do, please," and even tried to disencumber him. Half annoyed, Low at last yielded, and handing his rifle said, "There, then, take that; but be careful--it's loaded!" A cruel blush burnt the woman's face to the roots of her hair as she |
|